Effect of Interferon on Chronic Granulocytic Leukaemia
Author Information
Author(s): D.E. Bergsagel, H. Messner
Primary Institution: University of Toronto and the Ontario Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
Can interferon maintenance therapy prolong remissions in patients with chronic granulocytic leukaemia?
Conclusion
Interferon maintenance therapy can alter the relapse pattern in some chronic granulocytic leukaemia patients, either slowing the leukocyte doubling time or preventing relapse.
Supporting Evidence
- Interferon maintenance therapy has prevented relapse in six patients for more than 22 months to more than 68 months.
- Patients served as their own controls, comparing leukocyte doubling time on interferon therapy to that on no therapy.
- IFN therapy has failed to control the leukocyte count in patients with a control leukocyte doubling time of less than 40 days.
Takeaway
This study looked at how interferon can help people with a type of blood cancer called chronic granulocytic leukaemia by slowing down how fast their white blood cells grow.
Methodology
Patients were treated with busulphan to induce remission, then given interferon to see if it could maintain remission and slow the leukocyte doubling time.
Limitations
The study design does not allow for conclusions about the influence of interferon on overall survival.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 45 years, with a range of 23-67; 4 females and 10 males.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website